Traditions & Variations

Tchaikovsky's least-known symphony, No. 3, is a treasure-trove of the composer's beloved musical thumbprints—soaring melodies, colorful orchestration, and full-blooded Russian romanticism. The Federal Way Symphony launches its 2021-22 season with this rarely-encountered masterpiece, as well as Beethoven's most lyrical piano concerto, No. 4, featuring the effervescent pianist Clare Longendyke. Jazz-inflected Americana from Morton Gould kicks off this festive season opener.

A concert of popular symphonic works, festive holiday favorites, and special surprises! We’ll offer a collection of musical gifts that will be “unwrapped” (announced) from the stage, and irresistible music by Johann Strauss, Jr. in the tradition of Viennese New Year’s concerts. Come and celebrate the holidays and the musical joys of the season with the Federal Way Symphony.

The return of the Federal Way Jazz Orchestra will feature jazz standards and swing-era favorites. Join us for one of the most popular concerts in our series. Toes will be tapping, hands will be clapping, and dancing in the aisles is always a possibility!

A family concert celebrating the musical child in all of us, with works for and about children. Music from the Broadway stage (The Sound of Music, The King and I), film (Mary Poppins, To Kill a Mockingbird) and ballet (The Nutcracker) will be featured along with Georges Bizet’s work for the concert hall, Children’s Games. Noted Seattle-based actress Ayo Tushinde will join us to narrate a famous children’s tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

To round out this powerful season, the Federal Way Symphony will perform works that demand the utmost virtuosity from the entire orchestra. Music by Bach, Walton, Barber (the heart-rending Adagio for Strings) and Rimsky-Korsakov (the kaleidoscopic Capriccio Espagnole) will conclude the season in a blaze of sonic glory. Exciting Seattle-based soprano Elizabeth Galafa will also join the orchestra in a virtuoso vocal performance.